Driving Licence Changes – What you need to know

From 8th June onwards, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence will become invalid and the DVLA will no longer issue the document with new licences. The paper counterpart that was used to provide address details, categories of entitlement and the recording of driving offences and fines will no longer be required.

As a result of these changes, businesses will no longer be able to visually check that their employees are qualified and legally permitted to drive company vehicles on the road. Instead, the DVLA have introduced two options that allow access to this information.

Check online:

The DVLA have introduced a ‘View My Licence’ facility that is designated for the licence holder only and replaces information that was available to view on the counterpart. This option is exclusive to the licence holder only and is not designated for use by businesses.

The second option is their ‘Share My Record’ facility which allows any licence holder to create a “one off” licence check code to share their driving record with a third party, (e.g. their employer or hire car company). This code is unique and valid for 72 hours. This will allow employers to ensure their drivers satisfy all legal, insurance and company requirements.

Check by post or phone:

With permission from the driver, businesses can still contact the DVLA for licence checks at £5 per check. Alternatively, they may use the call centre service which is payable using a premium rate number. Whichever method is used, we recommend that employers check their driver’s licences on a quarterly basis.

Our Advice is:

Ensure that you destroy your paper counterpart after 8th June 2015 (you still need your current photocard driving licence).

Paper driving licences issued before the photocard was introduced in 1998 will remain valid and should NOT be destroyed.

Review your current licence checking procedures and adapt them to reflect the new paperless regime.

To access the DVLA’s online facilities, please follow the link below:

If you have subscribed to our Risk Management Advisor Package & have access to our online Risk Management Resource Centre you can refer to the following documents by going to www.deford.co.uk & clicking on the members tab:

Generic risk assessment – Personal Safety – Driving

Forms & Templates – Driver’s Declaration

Information sheet – Driver Reminder

For more information about the services we offer please contact our Risk Management Department on 0800 1244757 or email info@fordriskmanagement.co.uk